Sikh Sangat News Celebrating Sikh culture and sharing Sikh voices
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Dear Colleague
Please use this opportunity to get our voices heard.
Request your MP to attend the debate tomorrow (Wed 13th March, 9.30am at Parliament)
Ring the switchboard at the Houses of Parliament on 020 7219 3000 and ask to speak to your MP. You will be put through to staff working for your MP and will be able to ask them if your MP will be attending the debate tomorrow and if the MP has received the briefing.
This pressure in the last 24 hours will make a difference as many MPs are in Parliament tomorrow and should be able to attend at least part of the debate – also reading the briefing will also educate them about Sikh issues.
PLEASE ALSO SEND THE FOLLOWING AND ATTACHED BRIEF TO YOUR MP AND GET FRIENDS/ RELATIVES TO DO THE SAME
MP’S NAME
We have learnt that the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs has secured a 90-minute debate in the UK Parliament on Wednesday 13 March 2013 at 9.30am in Westminster Hall about the British Sikh community.
This is an excellent opportunity to not only celebrate the success of the British Sikh community, but also to raise a range of issues where Sikhs have concerns.
These include issues relating to the UK Government interface with the British Sikh community, various Sikh identity issues, treatment of Sikhs and Sikh organisations in the UK and numerous long standing human rights concerns. The debate is also helpful on the back of the debate on 28 February on the Abolition of the Death Penalty in India.
The debate will be led by Gareth Johnson MP (Con) Dartford. Gareth has been sent some thoughts on what he may wish to touch upon in introducing the debate. A briefing for the debate on Wednesday 13 March is attached.
We sincerely hope you will find time to attend and contribute to the debate on Wednesday that will take place prior to Prime Ministers Question Time.
Your name Your postal address with postcode
As almost always, unfortunately most Sikh events are poorly organised with poor foresight. IMHO, this article should have gone out a week ago, I only found out last night (else I would have liked to attend), anyway, nowhere does it say this will be televised or not, in hope, I have been watching the “Parliament” channel, however, nothing on there.
I for one don’t believe contacting ones MP a day before is going to result them attending a debate.
Although I appreciate most of our organisations doing this, are doing so as seva (And only because those who should, do nothing). Please Please, can we not be more organised as in being more forward planned and keeping those concerned more aware.